Tuna sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a complex challenge tackled head-on by the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF). In this episode, Susan Jackson, ISSF President, joins host Andrew Lewin to unpack their groundbreaking 2024 Annual Report. From developing biodegradable jelly-FADs to advancing electronic monitoring standards, Susan explains how ISSF works with fishers, corporations, and NGOs to make global tuna fishing more sustainable and transparent.

Electronic monitoring takes center stage as Susan discusses how vessel-level cameras and sensors are reshaping compliance in tuna fisheries. She also highlights the Proactive Vessel Register (PVR), which now includes over 1,700 vessels committed to ISSF conservation measures. We dive deep into how financial investments, stakeholder workshops, and scientific research are creating real-world change in the oceans, plus ISSF’s ambitious goals for 2025.

Website: https://www.iss-foundation.org/

Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome & introduction to ISSF
02:30 – Why tuna sustainability matters
06:00 – Susan Jackson’s role and ISSF’s mission
10:00 – 2024’s biggest achievements for ISSF
14:00 – Financial investments and corporate contributions
18:00 – How ISSF develops scientific tools like jelly-FADs
22:00 – Bycatch mitigation: protecting sharks & rays
27:00 – Electronic monitoring: cameras & sensors on vessels
32:00 – How fishers build eco-friendly FADs at sea
37:00 – Workshops & training fishers worldwide
42:00 – Proactive Vessel Register: what it is & why it matters
47:00 – ISSF’s advocacy at RFMOs & policy influence
52:00 – Aligning with NGOs: 90% agreement on priorities
57:00 – How ISSF drives transparency in tuna supply chains
1:02:00 – Challenges ISSF faced in 2024
1:07:00 – Goals & priorities for ISSF in 2025
1:12:00 – Final thoughts & how listeners can help protect oceans
1:17:00 – Episode wrap-up & call to action

#oceanconservation #MarineBiology #SaveOurOceans #ProtectTheOcean #OceanAwareness #BluePlanet #ConservationMatters #ScienceForChange #SustainableOceans
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